The 6'1", 230 lb. snapper tweeted that he is going to Michigan on full scholarship, so apparently Michigan's coaching staff is satisfied enough with their talent at all the other positions to go after a position that is usually filled by walk-on contributions.

This gives Michigan 21 commitments in the class of 2013. That's ridiculous.

I really don't know much about long snapping, so enjoy the following video as much as you can:

Let's be realistic here. We don't have a great shot at most of the guys you mention. In fact, Treadwell is the only guy on your list that we will get. Bailey will not be leaving Florida. He will probably go to FSU but would love to be offered by Florida (his childhood favorite). I would be pretty shocked if McQuay ended up anywhere but Vanderbilt. Derrick Green is a possiblity but is leaning Clemson right now. Our flirtation with Isaac (to our shame, I might add) hurt us with Green, the much better prospect. Mathis is most likely staying out west. Who knows about Bower. Michigan isn't in a great position with any of these guys. The staff can't save scholarships on pipe dreams when they have players they think can help them on the board. Yes, save schollies for likely targets like Treadwell but fill your roster spots with needs for the other spots. Don't get caught with your pants down on NSD.

"... apparently Michigan's coaching staff is satisfied enough with their talent at all the other positions to go after a position that is usually filled by walk-on contributions."

Any additional comments on this? Why do you suppose the coaches crossed that particular boundary? To my knowledge it has never occurred at UMich. Has long-snapper scouting/camping/whatever improved that much over the past few years? I'm bemused by this.

It's a fair question, and one that begs an even better one. Thunder's rating system is based in part on draft potential, so do long snappers get drafted? I honestly don't know, but it would stand to reason that if an NFL team would use up a draft pick on a long snapper, then using a scholarship on one isn't as insane as everyone is implying.

Might scholarships for long-snappers be an emerging trend? Like the weird rugby punt-formation thing, Carr seemed to be open to making changes to special teams approach...but the execution just wasn't there, like with Morales.

I think it might be an emerging trend. Only the coaches really know whether they need a scholarship long snapper or not. I'm not a big fan of offering a long snapper, but it's worth giving a scholarship if it's going to be worth a field goal or a couple extra points. It's one of those positions where the speed of the college game shouldn't really affect him. Long snapping is essentially the same in middle school, high school, college, and the NFL.